Emma Hendrickson on the set with Regis Philbin

RENO, Nev.- Emma Hendrickson, the 100-year-old bowler from Morris Plains, N.J., who became the oldest participant in the history of the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships last month, put her bowling skills to the test against television personality Regis Philbin.
 

The Philbin-Hendrickson match was taped at AMF’s 300 NY in the Chelsea Piers Center in New York on May 14 and was shown on “Live! With Regis and Kelly” this Friday morning, May 22. The episode will be available on the show’s Web site.
      

Although the results were kept a secret until the show aired, the contest was the subject of numerous ongoing jokes and comments by Philbin and his co-host, Kelly Ripa.
 

“I had a lot of fun doing the show,” said Hendrickson, who competed in the USBC Women’s Championships for the 50th consecutive year. “I have been on TV before for interviews, but not as part of this type of activity. Regis seemed very concerned about my health, and kept asking me if I was OK. I guess he didn’t want me to throw the ball and go down with it.”
 

Hendrickson said Philbin spent time clowning around and faking pulled muscles, claiming it had been many years since he had bowled – all as an excuse for his lack of bowling prowess.
 

The media frenzy surrounding Hendrickson’s accomplishment started in Reno when local news crews were on hand to see her break the record she shared with Ethel Brunnick of Santa Monica, Calif. Brunnick was 99 years old when she competed in the Women’s Championships in 1987.

 
The excitement hasn’t died down, and Hendrickson currently is working on a photo shoot with British and Australian newspapers for upcoming features. She also has been invited to serve as the bowling spokesperson at the New Jersey Senior Olympics being held in Woodbridge, N.J., in September. There also have been offers to appear on “Ellen,” “Good Morning America” and “The Tonight Show,” according to Hendrickson’s family.
 

“I don’t really feel any different, but I do get a kick out of it,” said Hendrickson, who already is signed up for the 2010 Women’s Championships in El Paso, Texas. “It seems like everybody is talking about it here, and I am even hearing from people who are asking for my autograph.”
 

Presenting sponsors for the 2009 USBC Women’s Championships are Eldorado Hotel Casino, Silver Legacy Resort Casino and Circus Circus Reno. Other participating sponsors are Kegel, official lane maintenance provider, Atlantis Hotel and Casino, Sands Regency Casino Hotel, Harrah’s Hotel and Casino, Club Cal Neva, and Storm Products Inc.

By Wendy Clem and Aaron Smith
USBC Communications

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